How much does a bar manager make?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups this role under Food Service Managers (SOC 11-9051). In its May 2025 wage survey, the national median was $33.36 an hour, or about $69,390 a year for full-time work, across roughly 238,430 people employed nationally. The middle of the market sits between $22.09 at the 10th percentile and $51.75 at the 90th.
Bar Manager pay in Boston
In the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area, the median for food service managers was $44.55 an hour ($92,650a year), reflecting Massachusetts' higher minimum wage and cost of living.
What moves the number
Bar manager pay depends on the volume and reputation of the bar, whether the role is salaried or hourly, and the concept. Bonuses linked to beverage sales or cost targets are common. Experience with high-end programs, inventory control, and menu development can raise compensation.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. BLS figures for tipped roles may not capture all tip income. The BLS category is the closest official match for this role, not an exact one.
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